1955 Metropolitan Tire Fitment Guide

1955 Metropolitan vehicles use two tire sizes: 520-13 and 560-13. Both sizes apply to the Metropolitan 1500, and both mount on 13-inch wheels. Rim-width guidance varies by tire, with 520-13 examples shown for 3.5-inch and 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims, while 560-13 examples are shown for 3.50 to 4.00-inch and 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims depending on the specific product.

That means year and make alone do not settle the final choice, even though there is only one model core. A Metropolitan owner should confirm the actual tire size already on the car, then compare that against the wheel width before choosing a replacement. Once the size is settled, sidewall style becomes the next decision, since both sizes are available in period-appropriate bias-ply construction with different visual treatments.

A 520-13 tire on a 1955 Metropolitan uses the older numeric sizing system common in the 1950s. The 5.20 portion identifies the nominal section width, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. In the available 1955 Metropolitan fitments, 520-13 is a bias-ply size rather than a radial or metric design.

That older numeric code is useful because it tells you you are looking at a vintage-style tire format, not a modern passenger-car size. A buyer choosing 520-13 is usually balancing physical fit with visual preference, since this size is offered in both blackwall and narrow whitewall versions. Checking the wheel width against the tire's approved rim range is the smart next step before selecting a specific product.

All 1955 Metropolitan fitments on this page center on the Metropolitan 1500, but that single model is associated with two tire sizes rather than one. Both 520-13 and 560-13 are used, and both are bias-ply sizes for 13-inch wheels. The difference is not a separate model split so much as a size choice within the same model family.

That is important for a buyer because identifying the car as a Metropolitan 1500 is only the first step. The next step is to verify which size belongs on the car you have, especially if it has been restored, modified, or had wheels changed over time. Looking at the current tire sidewall, wheel width, and the visual style you want for the finished car will usually narrow the decision quickly.

Both 520-13 and 560-13 are bias-ply choices for 1955 Metropolitan vehicles, so this is not a bias-versus-radial decision. The main differences are the nominal section width and the sidewall-style selection available within each size. The 520-13 range includes blackwall and narrow whitewall options, while 560-13 includes narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options from BFGoodrich and Firestone.

A buyer usually makes this choice by working backward from the car's current setup and the appearance goal for the restoration. If the wheel and existing fitment point to 520-13, that size gives access to a compact period look and even a blackwall option. If the car is set up for 560-13, it opens the door to more pronounced whitewall presentations that can better match a showroom-style mid-1950s aesthetic.

1955 Metropolitan tires are available in several sidewall styles across the two listed sizes. The 520-13 size appears in blackwall and narrow whitewall form, while the 560-13 size appears in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall form. That gives Metropolitan owners a meaningful visual choice even when staying within correct-era bias-ply construction.

Sidewall style matters on a small, highly styled car like a Metropolitan because the tire is a visible part of the car's overall proportion and personality. Blackwalls can suit a simpler, more understated look, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the car toward a brighter 1950s presentation. Owners preparing for judging or a marque-correct restoration should compare the sidewall style to period photos and club guidance before making the final selection.

Three brands appear in the available 1955 Metropolitan tire selection: Firestone, Premium Sport, and BFGoodrich. Firestone is offered in both 520-13 and 560-13, Premium Sport appears in 520-13, and BFGoodrich appears in 560-13. All of the listed choices are bias-ply tires, with the brand split tied mainly to size and sidewall presentation rather than a change in tire construction type.

That brand mix gives a Metropolitan owner room to choose according to both appearance and intended use. Someone chasing a traditional American-brand look may gravitate toward Firestone or BFGoodrich, while a buyer focused on a specific narrow-whitewall presentation may find the Premium Sport offerings appealing in 520-13. The practical way to compare them is by first locking in the size, then reviewing sidewall style and rim-width compatibility within that size.

Rim-width guidance for 1955 Metropolitan tires depends on the exact size and product. In 520-13, one listed fitment is shown for a 3.5-inch rim and another for a 3.50 to 4.00-inch rim. In 560-13, BFGoodrich products are shown for 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims, while a Firestone option is shown for 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims.

Those ranges show why wheel width should be checked before a replacement tire is chosen, even though both sizes use 13-inch wheels. Two tires with the same diameter can still call for different wheel widths depending on brand and design. Measuring the wheel or confirming the wheel specification already on the car is the safest way to avoid a mismatch between the tire's approved rim range and the actual wheel.

Both listed 1955 Metropolitan tire sizes use a 13-inch wheel diameter, so they share the same basic wheel diameter requirement. That means original 13-inch wheels may be compatible with either 520-13 or 560-13 at the diameter level. The part that still needs attention is wheel width, because the approved rim range is not identical across all products.

A Metropolitan owner should treat wheel diameter as only the first checkpoint. If the car still has its original wheels, verify their width and compare it to the approved range for the exact tire being considered. That is especially important when moving between 520-13 and 560-13, or between brands within 560-13, since some versions are intended for slightly wider rims than others.

A 1955 Metropolitan should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires protected from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone sources. Keeping the tires clean and properly inflated helps preserve the sidewalls during periods of inactivity. Because the listed fitments are bias-ply designs, they are more prone to temporary flat-spotting during long static storage than a modern radial usually is.

Owners who store a Metropolitan for extended periods often benefit from moving the car occasionally or supporting it in a way that reduces long-term load on one tire contact patch. If the car remains on the ground, rolling it a short distance from time to time can help. The goal is not just cosmetic preservation but keeping the tire casing and sidewalls in better condition for the next driving season.

Tire age matters more than mileage on a lightly used 1955 Metropolitan. Collector-car tires should be evaluated regularly once they reach the five- to seven-year range, and many owners treat around ten years from the DOT date code as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration even if tread depth still looks good. Heat cycles, storage conditions, and exposure to sunlight or ozone all affect service life.

That age-based approach is especially important on a collector compact that may spend long periods parked and then go on occasional pleasure drives. A tire can look presentable and still be aging internally. Checking the date code, watching for sidewall cracking or hardening, and replacing aging tires before they become a reliability issue is usually more important than trying to extract maximum mileage from them.

Tires on a 1955 Metropolitan should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for visible cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or signs that a tire is losing pressure. Since the available tires are vintage-style bias-ply products, it is also wise to pay close attention to sidewall condition and how the car feels during the first few miles after sitting.

A brief walkaround catches many problems before they become roadside trouble. On a longer-trip inspection, include the spare, valve stems, and inflation pressures as part of the routine. If the car has been stored for a while, a closer check is worthwhile because age and inactivity can affect collector tires differently than daily-driver tires, even when the tread still appears to have plenty of life left.

A 1955 Metropolitan 1500 would have been associated with bias-ply construction in period, which aligns with the available 520-13 and 560-13 fitments listed for the model today. Both are vintage numeric sizes mounted on 13-inch wheels, and both preserve the mid-1950s construction style expected on a car of this era. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and period sourcing, so the key historical point is the bias-ply format itself.

For a restoration, the most authentic path usually starts with matching the correct size and sidewall look rather than chasing a brand assumption. Whitewall width, overall stance, and whether the car presents as a showroom-style restoration or a more basic driver restoration all influence the right choice. Owners seeking show-level accuracy should compare against period sales literature and consult Metropolitan clubs or marque specialists for market-specific confirmation.

Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1955 Metropolitan, especially in classes where authenticity is judged closely. Size, construction type, and sidewall style all affect whether the car looks era-correct. On a mid-1950s compact like the Metropolitan, an incorrect whitewall width or a size that changes the car's visual proportions can stand out quickly even to casual observers.

That does not mean every event uses the same judging standards, but it does mean tires should be chosen as part of the restoration plan rather than as an afterthought. A buyer aiming for authenticity should decide whether the goal is factory-style presentation, dealer-era visual appeal, or a tasteful period-inspired driver. Event rules and marque-club guidance are the best places to settle details before the car is prepared for competition or display.

The available whitewall choices for the 1955 Metropolitan vary by size and visual width. In 520-13, narrow whitewall options appear from Premium Sport, including 5/8-inch and 1.25-inch presentations. In 560-13, BFGoodrich offers 1.00-inch and 2.25-inch whitewalls, and Firestone offers a 2.25-inch whitewall, so the larger size opens the door to a more pronounced wide-whitewall look.

That difference matters because whitewall width changes the character of the car as much as the tire brand often does. Slimmer whitewalls can feel more restrained and compact, while wider whitewalls deliver a stronger mid-1950s showroom impression. A restoration owner should compare the whitewall width to period photos, wheel covers, and body color before choosing, since the Metropolitan's small scale makes those styling choices especially visible.

1955 Metropolitan tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are in good condition, correctly inflated, and matched to the car's actual wheel and size requirements. The listed 560-13 BFGoodrich products carry an S speed rating, which corresponds to 112 mph, while the other listed tires do not show a speed letter in the sidewall marking. Since all of the available fitments are bias-ply designs, they should be driven with the feel and handling characteristics expected of period-style construction.

On a 1955 Metropolitan, the broader mechanical condition of the car often matters just as much as the tire itself at normal road speeds. Steering, brakes, wheel bearings, suspension, and alignment all shape how comfortable and stable the car feels on the highway. A prudent owner treats the tire as one part of a complete roadworthiness check rather than assuming a fresh-looking tire alone makes the car ready for sustained high-speed use.

Inflation pressure for 1955 Metropolitan tires should be matched to the specific size and product, not copied from one tire to another. Available load-and-pressure figures include 520-13 examples listed at 770 at 32 psi and 1100 at 60 psi, while 560-13 products are listed at 850 at 30 psi. Those are tire ratings, not blanket instructions for every Metropolitan application.

The right approach is to start with the vehicle manufacturer's recommended operating pressure if you have original literature, then compare that against the tire maker's rated limits for the exact reproduction tire being used. Pressure affects ride quality, wear pattern, steering response, and casing behavior, especially with bias-ply construction. If the car has been restored with a different listed size than it originally carried, take extra care not to assume one pressure recommendation automatically transfers.

Before taking a 1955 Metropolitan on a longer drive, inspect each tire for visible cracking, cuts, bulges, and irregular wear, then confirm that all four hold pressure consistently. Check the valve stems, verify the spare is serviceable, and make sure the tire size and wheel combination on the car matches an approved setup. Since the available fitments are bias-ply tires, pay attention to any vibration or flat-spot feel during the first miles if the car has been sitting.

Tire readiness should be part of a broader pre-trip routine on a mid-1950s collector car. Wheel bearings, brakes, cooling system condition, and basic fluid checks all deserve attention before a longer outing. A Metropolitan that is lightly used can feel fine on a short local drive yet still reveal age-related issues once heat builds and road speeds stabilize, so a careful pre-drive inspection is worth the extra few minutes.